Drinking while anchored & the law

[magster65]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

In addition to what I said before; who 'has' the key is irrelevant. Obviously the key must remain onboard and can be sitting in the ignition for that matter. If you consume alcohol, you must remain at anchor until you sober up. The police routinely cruise past us while we're anchored having beers and they don't really care about the booze. They do make note of whose boat has people aboard drinking though and if they see it later they'll stop it.

 

[KRS]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

Originally posted by QC:<br /> DR,<br /><br />My reg sticker on the starboard side is incorrect. I bought it used and the knucklehead had the sticker forward of the number not aft Remind me to move it at iboats west if I haven't yet

Make some signs... "Sticker Stripping Party" and see how many college guys show up

 

[heycods]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

Not a problem with me as I dont drink anymore. But my boat when Im driving it whoeveris with me can drink all he wants, we will see how that turns out when it happens.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

My two cents worth : I got over the whole insure, insure and over insure thing, that only makes you a target for any litigation. Sure, you can buy insurance for everything and umbrella policies to protect you after that, but where will it end ?<br />I'm not saying that you shouldn't have reasonable insurance for what you have and what you do, but I know case after case where the most insurred is the one lawsuits go after. If you want to pay for that....go for it ! Like others, I took other steps to protect myself, for a fraction of the cost. Want to sue me ? go ahead.....others have and got nothing ! If you have ever had a liquor license in your name, you get used to and tired of crap like this. My boat is owned by a corporation....that my business (another corporation) hires for parties. My home is owned by my wife. My other businesses are all seperate corporations.<br />As for the whole drinking thing, a captain should be straight and sober anytime the boat is in motion....period. When docked or at anchor, that is a floating home....do what you want. Hell, even the state parks recognise that a cabin cruiser is a home, "down below". If you get ticketed for that.....let us know, I'll chip in for your defense.....this stupid stuff has to end somewhere.

 

[tootoot]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

Gentleman. I have experience in this area. It was my job to ensure that boating is safe for everyone. If you think of it in a common sense way it will all make sense. If you are anchored, do not have the keys in the ignition. Do not have the keys in yout possession. Advise the officer you are there for the duration and anchor in a legal area with your anchor light on and be nice. He has probably chosen that job because he likes the water like you and wants to keep thinks right for the general public. If he is a #@ck, be extra nice. For many, boating and drinking go hand in hand. If your state says .08 and you are over, you are at risk.If he thinks you are over and the officer wants an arrest, theres a chance there might be an arrest and a court date and it will cost you money. If you are approached, get it together. Have your paper work together and get it for him without falling out of the boat. And after he leaves, then get stupid again. He's the man and respect what he is doing. Without law enforcement, Llfe would be much different than you know it. Most guys out there are really cool and if you want to know about the good spots to fish? They might know. Sorry but, I have seen where drinking by individuals who couldnt maintain their sense of responsibility killed and maimed others who were doing the right thing. You know, it happens on the road too. Check your State regs to be sure.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

#1. Laws vary by state, county, city, etc. so an answer that's correct in one location may be incorrect in another.<br /><br />#2. You can never say for certain that you are anchored for the night, you might drag anchor, someone may become sick or injured and need to be taken ashore, another boat may hit your's, etc. Someone on board needs to be able to operate the boat at all times and that person needs to be legally sober.<br /><br />That said, I will sometimes have a beer or two with or afer dinner when I plan to be anchored for the night.

 

[tootoot]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

Good Points.

 

[SwampNut]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

Getting plastered isn't in my plan, but I really don't know when I'd be at .08. A very long time ago I did this thing where they give you drinks and measure your reaction times, as a public education thing in a bar. Mine went up the first few drinks, and didn't fall off until I was over .1. I was younger and a professional drinker then.<br /><br />Some people say that two drinks in succession will put you over the limit. But that has little physical effect on me, especially if I'm eating at the same time. So it's just impossible to know.<br /><br />And having a great beer or wine with fresh grilled fish anchored off somewhere is the whole point of this.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

I can remember a time when I would worry about this stuff..... <br /><br />Getting plastered just isn't high on the priorities list anymore.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Drinking while anchored & the law

Just remember physical effect is not the criterior in most states..08 or what ever they call for holds up very well in most states.Also a conviction usually takes your car keys.<br /><br />I'm old school,been caught and paid my dues.But they educated me very well.At my expense.Two beers and caught....... free room and board.Yes I feel I can handle that much beer,but what if someone hits you. No free ticket for either of you.<br /><br />DHP